Wendy Davis no longer ‘of counsel’ to Fort Worth law firm

AUSTIN – Sen. Wendy Davis, who joined Cantey Hanger nearly four years ago, has left her “of counsel” position with the firm as her race for governor ramps up.

The Democratic senator from Fort Worth remains with Newby Davis, the firm in which she partnered with Brian Newby, Gov. Rick Perry’s former chief of staff, according to her campaign.

“In managing her obligations during the campaign, Senator Davis concluded her of counsel work to Cantey Hanger on December 31, 2013,” her campaign said when asked about the matter, confirming that she still is with Newby Davis.

Davis opponents have made an issue of her legal work, and more is sure to come as she faces Republican Attorney General Greg Abbott.

Republican Mark Shelton, who ran against Davis for Senate in 2012, then targeted her vote on legislation affecting tollway fines, since her firm had a contract to represent the North Texas Tollway Authority. She and her advisers said she acted properly and the legislation left drivers with less potential liability.